Types of Therapy Used in Addiction Treatment

The types of therapy used in addiction treatment in New Jersey will vary from one program to the next but each different approach is meant to target specific needs. Addiction is a progressive and complex disease that affects millions of Americans. Without professional addiction treatment, it is extremely difficult to recover. In 2017, nearly 20.7 million Americans needed treatment for substance use disorders. Unfortunately, only 2.5 million of those individuals received addiction treatment.

To recover from addiction, people must receive individualized treatment plans that address the causes and consequences of their addiction. For example, addicts may suffer from poor socialization skills, decreased physical and mental health, or school, work, and legal consequences. During addiction treatment, individuals will work with a therapist to create an effective plan to address each issue they suffer from. Because of the array of unique problems that are associated with substance abuse, there are many forms of therapy available during addiction treatment.

Which Types of Evidence-Based Therapy are Used in Addiction Treatment in New Jersey?

Therapy is one of the most important aspects of addiction treatment. With that being said, addiction treatment plans typically consist of varying forms of individual and group counseling. These therapy sessions are intended to teach recovering individuals the skills they need to maintain long-term sobriety. Additionally, patients will learn how to navigate uncomfortable situations without turning to substances to cope.

While there are many different forms of therapy utilized in addiction treatment, behavioral therapy is the most common.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is applied to the treatment of many different substance use disorders. During CBT counseling, patients learn to identify and alter their maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. Also, CBT helps people identify triggering situations, develop healthy coping skills, and prevent relapse.

This therapy approach is helpful during addiction recovery as it can be paired with other techniques and therapies. The skills learned during CBT sessions are meant to be applied to real-life situations and crises. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy is utilized to treat co-occurring disorders.

Contingency Management (CM)

Contingency management therapy is effective in treating several substance use disorders, such as alcohol, opioid, marijuana, and stimulant addiction. This form of counseling is meant to reinforce sobriety through positive rewards. To explain, CM counseling provides material rewards as motivation for positive behaviors, like staying sober for “x” amount of days. Continency management is highly regarded for its effectiveness in reducing treatment dropout and relapse rates.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivational interviewing is another form of therapy used in addiction treatment. MI’s goal is to reduce ambivalence in patients by allowing them to embrace their efforts during treatment to change their problematic behavior. In other words, MI is a form of therapy that focuses on increasing the patient’s motivation to stay sober and continue recovering.

While MI is facilitated by a therapist, patients are able to create their plans and goals for treatment and recovery. This provides patients with a sense of control over their treatment, allowing them to become more motivated over time.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

While DBT is utilized to treat substance use disorders, it is most commonly used in the treatment of personality disorders. As a result, dialectical behavioral therapy is most effective for individuals suffering from addiction and a co-occurring mental health condition.

During DBT sessions, patients work to reduce cravings, avoid triggering situations, and learn healthy coping mechanisms to replace their substance abuse. DBT may be utilized in an individual or group setting and is always facilitated by a licensed therapist. Additionally, this form of therapy relies heavily on practical application. In other words, patients are expected to complete homework assignments while applying the skills they have learned in real-life situations.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Rational emotive behavior therapy helps patients understand their thoughts while teaching them to think in more positive ways. As a result, patients gain better habits and experience healthier and more stable emotions. REBT is based upon the idea that rational thinking comes from within; external situations are not what gives individuals feelings of happiness or unhappiness.

Matrix Model

The Matrix Model combines a number of various evidence-based therapies to create an effective treatment plan. Originally, the Matrix Model was developed to treat stimulant addiction. However, many addiction treatment centers utilize this form of counseling for many different addictions and mental health concerns. During Matrix Model counseling, therapists focus on rewarding good behaviors and teaching patients to believe in themselves. In other words, the Matrix Model is beneficial for individuals suffering from low self-esteem, dignity, and self-worth issues. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Matrix Model focuses on “relapse prevention, family and group therapies, drug education, and self-help participation”.

12-Step Facilitation

12-step facilitation counseling is intended to promote long-term abstinence by engaging recovering individuals with 12-step support groups. As suggested by the name, participants will complete 12-steps intended to teach them how to remain abstinent while building positive methods of coping. There are a number of different forms of 12-step meetings, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), and many more.

Receive Addiction Therapy at a Professional Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program in New Jersey

Addiction and substance use disorder is best treated at a professional and licensed addiction treatment center. The types of therapy offered to you during addiction treatment may vary depending on your specific needs. Oftentimes, finding the right treatment center for you can be difficult and confusing due to the varying forms of rehab available. However, New Jersey Addiction Interventions is here to help.

“Addiction is a complex disease that can’t be cured, but it can be treated. Addiction treatment programs provide counseling, behavioral therapy, and medication-assisted treatment to help people learn how to live sober. However, in order for treatment to be effective, the patient must commit to their treatment program and put full effort in. With hard work and the right treatment approach, you can get sober and stay sober.”

Contact us today to speak with a licensed addiction specialist who can help you get started at a professional addiction treatment center in New Jersey.